President's Message

4th Quarter October 2018

It is hard for me to believe that almost two years has passed since I was elected CSPRA President.  It seems like a blur.  In just the last 12 months, I have been directly involved on CSPRA’s behalf with the following:

 

Major Efforts the past 12 months:

• Co-organizer of the Sept 2017 CSPRA Conference at Fort Tejon

• Edited the Charles Mehlert book on his state park career

• Ranger Foundation (RF) establishment and serving as RF President

• Partnership with the Redwood 100 Year Anniversary of the Save the Redwoods League, various activities

• California Parks Training Conference in March 2018, CSPRA representative

• By invitation, attended the dedication of the reopening of the Mariposa Grove, after a major rehab which began immediately after the 2014 CSP and Yosemite 150th anniversary event at the grove.

• June 2018 – Cadet Graduation – CSPRA displays & memorabilia table

• Park Threats issues – including meetings with department in Hdq & Sonoma.

• World Ranger Day event on July 31, 2018, Co-organizer

• Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs (FWOC) Conference (August 2018) hosted by CSPRA – Co-organizer

• Sept 2018 CSPRA Conference Mono/Bodie – Organizing Committee

• Four CSPRA Board Meetings

• Four Ranger Foundation Board Meetings

 

I have thought long and hard about whether or not to seek another term as CSPRA President.  When I mentioned all this to my wife Patsy, she commented, “It’s a lot of work, but you are doing a good job.”  OK, I said to myself, that is probably true, but should I continue or pass on the mantle?

 

In the end, it really came down to the CSPRA team of officers I would have in a new term, namely VP Ann Meneguzzi, Treasurer Tom Bernardo and incoming Secretary Jeff Price (who I roped into the job as a sort of condition of my staying on as President).  I know they (and the Board of Directors) will do a great deal of beneficial work in the operation and actives of CSPRA, and that does make a lot of difference and it tipped the scale in favor of serving another term.

 

So, I am a candidate for another term as CSPRA President.  No one else has come forward for the position, so my chances of election are looking pretty good.

 

Thanks everyone for your support the last two years.